Dyngus the day away

Democrats, Republicans out in full force

Democrats, Republicans out in full force

SOUTH BEND -- Dyngus Day celebrates the bringing of Christianity to Poland, but for the past 77 years the West Side Democratic and Civic Club has brought politics into the mix in South Bend, continuing the tradition on Monday. With less than a month left to campaign before the May 8 primary, candidates were at the West Side club, Solidarity Day and other Dyngus Day events throughout the community. "I always feel so welcome," Democratic incumbent Mayor Stephen J. Luecke told the Elks Club audience at Solidarity Day. The mayor reminded the West Side club members of the proposed Kroc Center, which is to be located at Western Avenue and Chapin Street. "It's what the West Side deserves," the mayor said of the family development center that is being funded primarily through a $40 million grant. "We're already half way there," Luecke said of the $10 million in matching funds that must be raised for the center. Republican mayoral candidate Juan Manigault appeared to be enjoying himself, even though he was surrounded by Democrats at the West Side club. "This is my first Dyngus Day ever," he said. Manigault said that outside the club, "you see a deteriorating neighborhood" with failing streets. "That's a travesty," Manigault said. "What it says is the West Side has become forgotten." That's something that will change if he becomes mayor, Manigault promised. Earlier, at the GOP's pancake breakfast in Mishawaka, Republican mayoral candidate Terry Miller told Mishawaka residents they actually might not like him because he "will no longer allow South Bend businesses to walk over to Mishawaka and set up shop." Republicans at the breakfast also met Dave Schmidt, a Bethel College history professor, who will be put on the general election ballot as the party candidate for the Mishawaka 6th Common Council district.Republican candidate for the 3rd district seat on the South Bend Common Council Chris Adamo, and Peggy Soderberg, wife of Bill Soderberg, the other candidate for that seat, spoke briefly at the breakfast. South Bend council candidate for the 6th District Oliver Davis started the day early at 4:30 a.m. helping with festivities at the West Side club and was out greeting people. "In 29 days I can breathe again," Davis joked. Another Democratic 6th District candidate, Rita Kopczynski, proudly carried the naturalization papers of her grandmother, who was a Polish immigrant. "This political structure was built by people like this," she said. Being a candidate in the district she grew up in, and having the West Side club in the same district, made this year's Dyngus Day all the more special, she said. "The best part of Dyngus Day today is, I'm not running again until next year," joked 2nd District U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, as he shook Kopczynski's hand. "I just hugged my opponent and his wife," said 2nd District council incumbent Democrat Charlotte Pfeifer of meeting one of her opponents, Jerry Donaldson. "But tomorrow all bets are off," she said with a laugh. Dyngus Day is a family affair for many people. Al "Buddy" Kirsits, who is running for re-election for an at-large seat, was accompanied by his wife Mary, and "campaign manager," daughter Hannah, 9, who was celebrating her first Dyngus Day. Hannah said she has been helping her dad by giving out stickers. Democratic candidate in the 3rd District Tom La Fountain and his wife Jill brought their two sons who were also celebrating their first Dyngus Day. "I'm sure they'll have memories they'll take with them the rest of their lives," he said. At-large candidate Democrat Eric Brown had South Bend's children in mind in his remarks on the stage. "Let's continue to work to bring new opportunities to South Bend ... keep those neighborhoods safe so South Bend will be the place that our children and grandchildren call their hometown," Brown said. Democrat David Sassano, who is running against La Fountain in the primary, said he was "having a blast" Monday. "The last time I was here I was an observer," Sassano said. "I never thought I'd be a candidate." The same goes for 5th District Democratic candidate Debbie Ray, who has celebrated many Dyngus Days at the West Side Club campaigning for other Democrats. Ray will face a tough battle in the 5th, which has been a Republican stronghold in several elections. "It's a tough district for the Democrats," she said. It may be hard to be a Democrat in the 5th, but on Dyngus Day all local Democrats say there's no better party, both politically and for a good time.